At just 5 years old, Kynzlee Jones — dubbed “Kynzlee the Warrior” by her loving family — has already endured more challenges than most face in a lifetime. You see, Kynzlee was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect that resulted in the structures on the left side of her heart being severely underdeveloped. Kynzlee had her first surgery at only five days old, and another at seven months.

At that point, Kynzlee’s local care team had run out of options for further surgeries and suggested it was time to focus on quality of life. But Kynzlee’s mom, Breanna, refused to give up. She and Mark, Kynzlee’s dad, took up the fight and started calling hospitals all over the country. Finally, through a recommendation from a Facebook support group, they were able to reach a surgeon in Houston, Texas, who was willing to perform the lifesaving procedures Kynzlee needed. In 2022 and 2024, the family traveled to Houston for the Glenn and Fontan procedures that gave their little warrior a fighting chance.

Despite her condition, Kynzlee is described as spunky and full of life. She tires easily and bruises quickly, but her parents say she teaches them more about courage and joy than they could ever teach her.

A family rooted in love

The Jones family is a tight-knit bunch. Alongside Kynzlee and her parents are siblings Miracle (10) and Josiah (8) Killin, uncle Isaiah Jones (14), and grandmother Kelly Jones. Together, they find joy in simple moments — movie nights, afternoons at the park, and arts and crafts inspired by Grandma Kelly’s creativity. These shared experiences keep them grounded and connected, even through the hardest times.

Both parents nominated Kynzlee separately, a testament to their unwavering love and determination. Their story touched UBT’s Magic Moments team deeply — a mother and father who refused to accept defeat, who fought for their daughter’s life, and who continue to inspire everyone around them with their resilience.

Extra love for the Jones family

This holiday season, our Magic Moments team wanted to ensure this remarkable family felt the love they so freely give to one another. We set out to find gifts to bring both joy and relief, ensuring the family can focus on what matters most: time together.

To encourage that quality time, the family will enjoy vouchers for bowling nights at Sun Valley Lanes and games of putt-putt at Prehistoric Putt, as well as memberships to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Lincoln Children’s Museum. Grandma Kelly will be crafting up a storm, thanks to a gift certificate for art classes from the Lux Center for the Arts. Assorted meats from Del Gould and chicken from Smart Chicken will keep the family’s tummies full, and gas gift cards from Super C and U-Stop will take some of the stress away from trips to the doctor. 

Each family member will also receive gifts tailored to their interests and needs, including Disney Princess Barbies and a play kitchen for Kynzlee, new games and gear for the boys, new bowling gear for Mark, crafting tools for Kelly, and some special pampering for dedicated mom Breanna, starting with a massage from 402 Collective. Little Kynzlee will also have some help getting around in a new WonderFold Elite wagon, which will help her join in family outings in style, even when she’s feeling tired.

A season of hope

To warrior girl Kynzlee and the rest of the family: Thank you for showing us the true meaning of courage, love, and perseverance. We wish you a holiday season filled with laughter, creativity, and unforgettable moments.

Happy holidays, Jones family!